Gautam Buddh Nagar, March 28, 2026 | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. On the occasion, he also inaugurated the airport’s advanced cargo terminal and laid the foundation stone for a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to be developed over 40 acres.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with several senior officials and dignitaries. The Noida International Airport is being developed as one of the largest and most modern airports in India and is expected to strengthen the country’s global aviation presence in the coming years.
Addressing a public gathering, Narendra Modi described the airport as more than just an infrastructure project, calling it a new chapter in the “Viksit Bharat–Viksit Uttar Pradesh” mission. He said the airport would serve as a logistics gateway for northern India, boosting investment, trade, and exports. The Prime Minister added that the project would open new avenues of development for cities including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Bulandshahr, benefiting farmers, small industries, and youth in particular.
He acknowledged the contribution of local farmers whose land made the project possible, noting that agricultural products from the region would now have easier access to global markets. Highlighting the airport’s multi-modal connectivity, he said it integrates road, rail, and air transport seamlessly. The cargo hub will initially handle 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with plans to expand capacity to 18 lakh metric tonnes in the future.
Narendra Modi also emphasized the importance of the upcoming MRO facility, stating that nearly 85% of aircraft in India are currently sent abroad for maintenance, resulting in high costs. The facility in Jewar will help make India self-reliant in this sector and create thousands of jobs for young people.
He noted that Uttar Pradesh has rapidly expanded its airport network and is now among the states with the highest number of airports in the country. Referring to the project’s long history, he said it was first approved in 2003 but remained delayed for years until coordination between the central and state governments accelerated its progress.
During the ceremony, Narendra Modi invited attendees to switch on their mobile flashlights as a symbolic gesture to mark the inauguration, calling the airport a collective asset of the people. The venue resonated with chants celebrating the occasion.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the gathering, said the airport represents a significant leap in Uttar Pradesh’s development journey. He described it as a foundation for economic growth and a “launchpad” for the state’s bright future. The Chief Minister highlighted that the project would generate large-scale employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, while boosting industrial and commercial activities across the region.
He also pointed out that the airport would enhance connectivity through major infrastructure networks such as the Yamuna Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Ganga Expressway, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and the proposed Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail corridor. He added that the region is already witnessing increased investment interest, including projects such as semiconductor manufacturing units, apparel parks, medical device parks, toy parks, MSME hubs, handicraft clusters, and data centers.
Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi for maintaining stable petroleum prices and reducing excise duty, stating that such measures have benefited citizens amid global economic challenges. He also credited the state’s progress to coordinated governance and a focus on infrastructure development.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu described the inauguration as a moment of national pride, calling it a celebration of India’s aspirations and growing global influence. He said the airport reflects the vision of a self-reliant, digital, and developed India, and praised the Uttar Pradesh government for its role in executing the project efficiently.
On the occasion, a historic first flight was carried out from the airport by the Uttar Pradesh government’s official aircraft, with Anandiben Patel and Yogi Adityanath traveling from Jewar to Lucknow.
Officials stated that the Noida International Airport, with its advanced infrastructure, cargo capabilities, and future expansion plans, is set to emerge as a global aviation hub. The first phase of the project marks a major step toward transforming Uttar Pradesh into a key center for connectivity, investment, and economic growth in India.
